James Caldwall

James Caldwall (1739–1822) was a prolific English engraver, celebrated for his meticulous mezzotints and line engravings of portraits and historical scenes. Trained under John Keyse Sherwin, he mastered engraving and etching, allowing him to create works with great precision and expressive detail. Throughout his career, Caldwall was active in the art community, exhibiting 29 works at the Free Society of Artists between 1768 and 1780. His portfolio includes portraits of prominent figures like Sir Roger Curtis, historian David Hume, and actress Sarah Siddons. Caldwall also produced engravings of genre and military subjects, often based on paintings by artists like William Hamilton and Richard Adams. His work appeared in significant cultural collections, including Boydell’s Shakespeare Gallery and Cook’s Voyages, which illustrated the global explorations of Captain James Cook. Notable among his works are The Immortality of Garrick, co-engraved with Samuel Smith, and The Fête Champêtre at the Oaks, which demonstrate his versatility and his sought-after craftsmanship. Although his last dated engraving is from 1783, Caldwall’s contributions left a lasting mark on British engraving during the late 18th century.